Adjustable spinal implant device and method

Abstract

A spine implant, in particular a stabilization or distraction device, is provided with an adjustable length. The implant has first and second portions for coupling to a first bony portion of a first vertebra and a second bony portion of a second vertebra, respectively, where the second bony portion is located at an oblique angle to the first bony portion. The spinal implant permits movement between the first bony portion and the second bony portion and is adjustable to change an amount of said movement between said first bony portion and said second bony portion after the implant is implanted.

1. A spinal implant for stabilizing vertebrae of a spine, comprising:
 a first connector configured to be coupled to a spinous process of a first vertebra, the first connector including a penetrating structure for penetrating the spinous process, wherein the first connector comprises a single plate that is shaped to wrap around a spinous process from a first side to a second side thereof, wherein the single plate has a first aperture on a first side thereof and a second aperture on a second side thereof, wherein the first and second apertures are aligned; 
 a second connector spaced apart from the first connector a sufficient distance to allow it to be coupled to a pedicle of a second vertebra that is adjacent to or next adjacent to the first vertebra, the second connector being located at an oblique angle to the first connector, and including a pedicle-penetrating structure suitable for attaching the second connector to a pedicle of a spine; and 
 a first generally rod-shaped member extending at an oblique angle from the first connector to the second connector and interconnecting the first connector and the second connector to limit relative motion therebetween, the first generally rod-shaped member extending into the first aperture and out of the second side of the plate, wherein the length of the first generally rod-shaped member between the first and second connectors is adjustable after the implant is implanted. 
 
     
     
       2. The spinal implant of  claim 1  wherein the length of the first generally rod-shaped member varies in response to applied force, and the first generally rod-shaped member comprises at least one cavity, and wherein the extent of variation in the length of the first generally rod-shaped member is adjustable to change the amount of said movement by inserting a material in said cavity. 
     
     
       3. The spinal implant of  claim 2  wherein the first generally rod-shaped member is adjustable to change the amount of said movement by inserting a curable polymer in said cavity. 
     
     
       4. A spinal implant for stabilizing vertebrae of a spine, comprising:
 a first connector configured to be coupled to a spinous process of a first vertebra, the first connector including a penetrating structure for penetrating the spinous process, wherein the first connector comprises a single plate that is shaped to wrap around a spinous process from a first side to a second side thereof, and wherein the single plate includes a first aperture on a first side thereof and a second aperture on a second side thereof; 
 a second connector spaced apart from the first connector a sufficient distance to allow it to be coupled to a pedicle of a second vertebra that is adjacent to or next adjacent to the first vertebra, the second connector being located at an oblique angle to the first connector, and including a pedicle-penetrating structure suitable for attaching the second connector to a pedicle of a spine; 
 a first generally rod-shaped member extending at an oblique angle from the first connector to the second connector and interconnecting the first connector and the second connector to limit relative motion therebetween, wherein the length of the first generally rod-shaped member between the first and second connectors is adjustable after the implant is implanted; 
 a third connector spaced apart from the first connector by about the same distance as is the second connector, the third connector being located at an oblique angle to the first connector, and including a pedicle-penetrating structure suitable for attaching the third connector to a pedicle of a spine; and 
 a second generally rod-shaped member extending at an oblique angle between the first connector and the third connector and interconnecting the first connector and the third connector to limit relative motion therebetween, wherein the first generally rod-shaped member extends into the first aperture and out of the second side of the plate, and the second generally rod-shaped member extends into the second aperture and out of the first side of the plate. 
 
     
     
       5. The spinal implant of  claim 4 , wherein the third connector is spaced laterally apart from the second connector such that the pedicle-penetrating portions of the second and third connectors can respectively penetrate different pedicles of the same vertebra. 
     
     
       6. The spinal implant of  claim 4 , wherein the first and second generally rod-shaped members can each vary in length in response to an externally applied force, sufficient to provide shock absorbing properties and permit some relative movement between the first connector, on the one hand, and the second and third connectors, on the other hand. 
     
     
       7. The spinal implant of  claim 6 , wherein the first and second generally rod-shaped members can each vary in length due to incorporation of a compressible member therein. 
     
     
       8. The spinal implant of  claim 7 , wherein the compressible member is a spring. 
     
     
       9. The spinal implant of  claim 7 , wherein the compressible member is a resilient polymer.